How do you replace lid springs on Brunswick Cortez?

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marcapra
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How do you replace lid springs on Brunswick Cortez?

Post by marcapra »

I have a 1926 Brunswick Cortez phonograph. The lid springs a very weak, so when you raise the lid, it only stays open about 6" instead of 2 feet. I assume the lid springs need to be replaced? Is that correct, or can you just stretch the springs a little tighter? What is the procedure for removing the springs? Thanks.

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RAK402
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Re: How do you replace lid springs on Brunswick Cortez?

Post by RAK402 »

marcapra,

You have outstanding timing sir, as I just did this!

The springs were strong enough in mine, that I did not think I had to replace them, but one made a nasty noise every time I raised or lowered the lid.

First of all, you may not need to replace them. There are three screws visible from the top of the support arm assemblies (not sure what to call them). The two, round head ones on the ends attach the mechanism to the top deck of the machine. The third one (that is a countersunk screw) is a tension adjustment. Turning it clockwise increases the tension (making the lid feel lighter). Turning it counter-clockwise decreases the tension, making the lid feel heavier (and wanting to droop or stay closed). If the springs are in reasonably good shape, you may be able to correct the drooping lid by just increasing the tension.

This Ebay add shows what they look like outside of the machine:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Brunswick-Phono ... 27daead401

(I am not selling this or affiliated with the seller, I did study the photographs in the add before taking mine apart).

The noise on mine turned out to be a damaged spring. Someone, at some point, had evidently broken the spring and tried to bend one of the coils into a new hook, which misaligned it.

The support arm assemblies are very easy to remove and re-install. You remove the two screws holding them to the lid, then the two outer screws holding them to the deck, then lift them out. I was able to hold the lid up with my shoulder (with one arm still attached and providing some support). Do not accidentally swap the screw-the ones for the lid are shorter than the ones that hold the support assemblies to the base-I just caught this when re-assembling mine. If you swap the screws, you might drive one through the lid!

I did find a pretty good replacement spring at Orchard Supply Hardware: This is a C-179 "Utility EXT Spring" from a company called "Century Spring Company." The one had closed loops on the end, which I had to trim with a Dremel tool in order to make a "hook" to fit the support arm assembly.

I should point out that I am relatively new to this hobby, so someone with a great deal more knowledge may post something much better after this. Most of the time I am just on here reading and trying to absorb the wisdom of the people who have been here a while and have a great deal of experience. I am pretty good with toy trains, R/C helicopters, stationary steam engines, automobiles, and other fairly odd things, so this one seemed fairly simple to me.

I have had my Cortez for over a week now and it is wonderful!

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marcapra
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Re: How do you replace lid springs on Brunswick Cortez?

Post by marcapra »

Wow!!!! What a fantastic answer!!!!! I was not expecting anyone to be able to answer this as I've asked this question before with no replies. You not only just did this job, but on a very rare Cortez!! You are very lucky to have a Cortez as they are very rare and the sound beats just about every other phonograph for acoustic and early electric records! You told me something new. I never knew that the counter-sunk screw could adjust spring tension! I'll go try that now, and thanks again.

Well, I just tried to adjust the screw for more tension, but no soap. So I removed the lid supports to examine the springs. I saw that my adjusting screws were all the way down, but creating no tension. I also saw that the support rods has four holes. (The one in the Ebay ad has only three) I saw that the spring was originally connected to the bottom hole, but had been moved up two holes, probably to increase tension. I can still move it up one more hole to see what that does. I'm still wondering why my adjusting bolts are screwed all the way down and yet create no tension! Do springs just lose their strength over time?

I just compared my springs with the springs in the ad. The Ebay springs look black, mine are nickle plated. I'm thinking maybe mine are modern replacements that are too long! That could be the problem right there! Marc.

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marcapra
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Re: How do you replace lid springs on Brunswick Cortez?

Post by marcapra »

I did find a pretty good replacement spring at Orchard Supply Hardware: This is a C-179 "Utility EXT Spring" from a company called "Century Spring Company."
RAK, I bought that spring set C-179 and installed it. But it doesn't hold the lid up at all, even with the tension bolts tightened all the way. Have you actually installed your springs yet? I'm going to try to make it work by changing the holes where the end of the lid stays go back to the original hole and see if that works, but I doubt it.

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Re: How do you replace lid springs on Brunswick Cortez?

Post by RAK402 »

I installed one in the left side (the one with the defective spring). I did not change the holes.

I did have to increase the tension somewhat, then, after a day or so of the machine sitting with the lid closed, increase the tension a bit again. It has been fine since.

Makes me wonder if the lids are not the same weight, or perhaps the C-179 springs are not consistent.

Sorry it is not working-it was not my intention to lead you astray, sir. I would not have posted about it if I had not done it myself, successfully.

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marcapra
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Re: How do you replace lid springs on Brunswick Cortez?

Post by marcapra »

It's odd that it worked for you, but not for me. I don't think the springs would be different if they have the same number. Could I see some pics of your Cortez? Maybe I should take a chance and buy those lid stays on Ebay, but I don't know if they would fit a Cortez. I have a Brunswick parts book, so I'll look and see if all the lid stays were the same. Thanks again for your help. Marc.

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Re: How do you replace lid springs on Brunswick Cortez?

Post by RAK402 »

I will get a couple of photographs posted in the next day or so, sir.

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Henry
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Re: How do you replace lid springs on Brunswick Cortez?

Post by Henry »

Some local hardware stores may carry a spring assortment. Look for a display board with the various sizes, find what you need, and look in the appropriate stock drawer below. HTH.

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marcapra
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Re: How do you replace lid springs on Brunswick Cortez?

Post by marcapra »

Already did that, but the springs I bought, which worked for the guy above, did not work for me even though we have the same model phonograph!

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Re: How do you replace lid springs on Brunswick Cortez?

Post by tubaphone »

You might try Century Spring Co., they have a huge assortment of off the shelf springs and also have the capability to make custom springs since they are manufacturers.
Here is their website; http://www.centuryspring.com/
Hope this might help with your problem.

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